Lewis Hamilton has sent a clear message on his Formula 1 future with a social media post after a positive pre-season for Ferrari.
The seven-time World Champion appeared relaxed and cheerful in Bahrain, a world away from the overriding sense of dejection across his debut campaign with the Scuderia last season.
Despite the general consensus that Mercedes still has the best overall car ahead of the new season, the SF-26 has shown reasons for Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc to be positive.
With long runs completed – which were also apparently competitive in race simulation – there was an overall decent one-lap pace, and what looks like a significant advantage with race starts.
And despite Hamilton still waiting on a permanent race engineer, the Brit took to social media to reflect on the two week testing programme, and praised Ferrari for ‘pulling out all the stops’ to complete the new challenger.
“That’s a wrap on testing,” he said. “It’s inspiring to watch a team pull out all the stops to build a car.
“It’s the most fascinating part of this job for me. Everything is built from scratch and designed and redesigned over and over. And then there are only a few of us who get to put that machine to the test. That feeling never gets old.
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone in the team back at the factory for the hard work to get to this point!! I am truly grateful.
“I love this job so much and I love working with my team and driving for the fans. I’m incredibly lucky to be able to do what I do, and I’m excited for the season ahead.”
‘I’m not going anywhere’ – Lewis Hamilton buoyed ahead of 20th season in F1
The 2026 season will be Hamilton’s 20th, and 2025 was no doubt his most disappointing, after having been the first in which he failed to score a single Grand Prix podium.
Hamilton had previously stated about looking forward to disconnecting from the day-to-day strife that comes with his job over the winter, and signalled that it has well and truly done the trick.
“I’m re-set and refreshed. I’m not going anywhere, so stick with me,” he said.
“For a moment, I forgot who I was, but thanks to you and your support you’re not going to see that mindset again.
“I know what needs to be done. This is going to be one hell of a season. I’ve given everything to be here today. Let’s go team!!!”
READ MORE – Lewis Hamilton reveals crucial element to new Ferrari – ‘my DNA is within it’
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